Abstract

DEVELOPMENT AND CONTENT VALIDATION OF A SUSHRUTOKTA TRIGUNA-BASED MENTAL ATTRIBUTE SCALE FOR YOUNG ADULTS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY AMONG STUDENTS OF AGE 18-30 YEARS

Vd. Ira Ashutosh Joshi*, Dr. Meenakshi Ranadive

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda describes Trigunas (mental attributes) and behavioural characteristics through the concepts of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. Sushruta has described several attributes of the mind that can be understood in relation to psychological functioning and emotional behaviour. However, a structured instrument -based scale on these Sushrutokta mental attributes for assessment among young adults is limited. Therefore, there was a need to develop a structured questionnaire based on Ayurvedic concepts and assess its applicability in the study population. The scales was developed as a part of MD thesis. Aim: To develop and validate a questionnaire for assessment of Sushrutokta mental attributes among students aged 18–30 years. Materials and Methods: An observational study was undertaken among students aged 18–30 years. A questionnaire was developed based on classical Ayurvedic references concerning mental attributes and relevant concepts of emotional functioning. The preliminary questionnaire was subjected to expert evaluation. Experts from Ayurveda, Kriya Sharir, research methodology and medical statistics reviewed the questionnaire and provided suggestions regarding the content and wording of individual questions. The suggestions received were incorporated and the questionnaire was finalized. The final questionnaire consisted of 35 questions distributed across three domains: Sattva (14 questions), Rajas (11 questions) and Tamas (10 questions). The questionnaire was subsequently administered to a sample of 80 students. Results: The final questionnaire consisted of 35 questions covering the three Triguna domains. Expert suggestions regarding modification, deletion and addition of questions were incorporated before administration of the final questionnaire. The responses obtained from 80 students were analysed and expressed as percentages. Conclusion: A 35-item questionnaire based on Sattva, Rajas and Tamas was developed following expert review and incorporation of suggested modifications. The questionnaire provides a structured approach for assessment of Sushrutokta mental attributes in students aged 18–30 years. Further studies with larger samples and additional psychometric testing may strengthen its validity and reliability.

Keywords: Sushruta, Sattva, Rajas, Tamas, Mental attributes, Questionnaire, Scale development, Validation, Ayurveda.